The government is proposing a labor-intensive National Economic Recovery (PEN) program through Coral Reef Restoration at Sanur Beach, Serangan, Nusa Dua, Pendawa Beach, and Buleleng waters, Bali.

This is done to help coastal communities in Bali to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in the marine sector and marine tourism.

"The PEN program is one of a series of activities to reduce the impact of Covid-19 on the economy," Andreas A Hutahaean, the head of marine conservation management and small island empowerment of the coordinating ministry for maritime affairs and investment, said on Wednesday.

"For Nusa Dua waters, this is one of the target locations for our PEN program, because it is included in one of the 5 coral reef restoration points that will be carried out in Bali and the place for the Indonesia Coral Reef Garden (ICRG),” Andreas said.

Andreas explained that Bali is the only area that has been proposed to receive PEN funds for coral reef restoration, with a total submission of Rp 115 billion. This labor-intensive program will absorb a workforce of 10,000-11,000 people.

"In addition, Bali was chosen because it is a marine tourism destination with its underwater beauty that many tourists are looking for. Bali is also a foothold for the economy of the community and local governments. So amid the weakening economic growth in Bali, the central government is here to provide a trigger to turn the economy from below," he explained.

There are 5 areas for implementing the PEN program in Bali, namely Pandawa Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, Sanur Beach, Serangan Beach, and Buleleng.

The PEN program is expected to start in early October and will be distributed through labor-intensive programs. The PEN program is one of a series of activities to reduce the impact of Covid-19 on the economy.

Apart from handling the health crisis, the PEN program in response to the decline of community activities that have an impact on the economy, especially the informal sector or MSMEs. (RRI)